In some countries, believers gather in secret underground churches, knowing if they are found out or discovered, they could lose their lives.
Yet here in America, many of us grab our cup of coffee and Bible and head out to church, expecting the church to cater to our personal preferences regarding temperature, music, and even preaching styles.
However, if we’re not careful, we can become complacent, thinking a simple Sunday sermon is enough to keep us well-fed when nothing could be further than the truth.
Those of us who are saved should be in the Word daily, spending time with Jesus and proclaiming His name to those we meet.
We are called to make disciples – it isn’t optional.
Think back to the moment when you were first saved.
That sobering moment when you realized you were a sinner and desperately needed Jesus to save you from your sins, knowing He was the only One who could.
Remembering the joy in realizing that even though you were separated from God because of your sin, Jesus died for you and paid the price once-and-for-all for our sins both past and present.
Internalizing this beautiful truth leads many new believers to eagerly share the Gospel with others and spend time buried in the Word of God and learning about Him.
But then over the years… we get comfortable.
We might make excuses that we’re too “busy” to read our Bible every day or walk in accountability with other believers in a Bible study.
Our daily prayers have turned into sporadic “thanks God” moments when something goes good in our lives…
… or a desperate prayer for help whenever we want something.
But God is not a genie in the sky just waiting to grant our wishes!
He desires our heart – all of it.
Our faith shouldn’t be something we check off a box like we “did our duty” and attended church.
As we delve deeper into God’s Word, we should seek to learn more about what it really means to be a follower of Jesus.
A healthy faith should challenge you to articulate what you believe and why.
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Our faith must be more than a prayerless comfortable life.
Oh heavenly Father, we pray that you continue to stir our hearts with a passion and desire to know you deeply. We praise you for who You are, a holy God who is worthy of our love and praise. May we boldly share Your truth with those who don’t know you, that they may be saved by Your mercy and grace. Search our hearts oh God, and continue to purify us, as you make us more like Your Son. We love you, and pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name that saves, Amen.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
(h/t Christian Life Daily)